Universal Rough-In Valve and Manifold

ABSTRACT

A valve manifold for a universal rough-in valve, the manifold comprising a first inlet; a second inlet; a first outlet; a second outlet; a cavity to receive a fluid mixing valve; a first transition in flow communication with the cavity and the first inlet; a second transition in flow communication with the cavity and the second inlet; a first channel in flow communication with the cavity and the first outlet; a second channel in flow communication with the cavity and the second outlet; wherein the manifold comprises a venturi tube extending from the second manifold outlet towards the first manifold outlet; and wherein the manifold is configured to be removably disposed in a rough-in valve chamber; and the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve.

The disclosure is directed to a rough-in valve and a valve manifoldconfigured to be removably disposed in the rough-in valve. The manifoldis configured to removably receive a fluid mixing valve.

BACKGROUND

Large projects including hotels, apartment buildings, and the like mayconveniently be designed for bathrooms and for bathroom fixtures to bepositioned back-to-back. This provides economy regarding pipes forplumbing fixtures, electrical service, etc. Having an easy-to-installuniversal rough-in valve would provide great time savings for plumbers.For example, a rough-in valve that may be placed back-to-back to serviceback-to-back tub/shower combinations would be highly desired.

A valve adapted to deliver water to a tub/shower combination maycomprise a non-symmetrical fluid outlet pathway to the tub or shower. Asa rough-in valve is rotated about a Y axis to be placed back-to-backwith another rough-in valve, a non-symmetrical outlet pathway along a Yaxis will be preserved. However, hot/cold water inlets of a fluid mixingvalve will be reversed.

Desired is a valve manifold for a universal rough-in valve, wherein themanifold is configured to receive a fluid mixing valve, and wherein aposition of the fluid mixing valve may be adjusted relative to themanifold. This may allow a rough-in valve and manifold to be rotatedabout 180 degrees about a Y axis to be placed back-to-back with anotherrough-in valve/manifold and for both to receive hot water from the sameside and to receive cold water from the same side. A valve manifoldhaving a removably coupled fluid mixing valve may accomplish this.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, disclosed is a valve manifold for a universal rough-invalve, the manifold comprising a first manifold inlet; a second manifoldinlet; a first manifold outlet; a second manifold outlet; a cavityconfigured to receive a fluid mixing valve; a first transition in flowcommunication with the cavity and the first manifold inlet; a secondtransition in flow communication with the cavity and the second manifoldinlet; a first channel in flow communication with the cavity and thefirst manifold outlet; a second channel in flow communication with thecavity and the second manifold outlet; wherein the manifold comprises aventuri tube comprising a first section and a second section; theventuri tube first section has a larger cross-sectional area than thesecond section; the venturi tube first section is disposed in the secondmanifold outlet; and the venturi tube extends from the second manifoldoutlet towards the first manifold outlet; and wherein the manifold isconfigured to be removably disposed in a rough-in valve chamber; and themanifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixingvalve.

Also disclosed is a universal rough-in valve comprising a valve chamberconfigured to receive a valve manifold; a first valve inlet configuredto be in flow communication with a first fluid supply source; a secondvalve inlet configured to be in flow communication with a second fluidsupply source; a first valve outlet configured to be in flowcommunication with the valve chamber and a first outlet line; a secondvalve outlet configured to be in flow communication with the valvechamber and a second outlet line; and present valve manifold removablydisposed in the chamber.

Also disclosed is a fluid mixing valve comprising a mixing cartridge; afirst fluid mixing valve inlet; a second fluid mixing valve inlet; afirst fluid mixing valve outlet; and a second fluid mixing valve outlet;wherein the fluid mixing valve is configured to be removably coupled toa present valve manifold at about 180 degree rotation intervals of thefluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and notby way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity andclarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some featuresmay be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further,where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated amongthe figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a valve manifold according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A depicts a valve manifold and a venturi tube separated, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-section view of a valve manifold/venturi assemblyaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A displays a valve manifold, an attachment pin, and a fluid mixingvalve, separated, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B shows a valve manifold and a fluid mixing valve coupled via anattachment pin, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3C shows a valve manifold and a fluid mixing valve coupled via anattachment pin, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 displays a universal rough-in valve according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a universal rough-in valve assembly comprising a valvemanifold and a fluid mixing valve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a fluid mixing valve and a manifold,according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

A rough-in valve is a valve used in plumbing systems to connect one ormore fluid inlets to one or more fluid outlets. It would be highlyconvenient for plumbers to be able to place rough-in valves back-to-backin adjacent bathrooms in large projects like hotels, etc., and to havethe valves be able to accept hot water from the same side and cold waterfrom the same side.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a rough-in valve comprises amanifold/fluid mixing valve assembly. A fluid mixing valve may be forinstance a pressure balance valve or a thermostatic valve. A fluidmixing valve may comprise an adjustable limiter, designed to limit anamount (e.g. percentage) of hot water allowed to flow through the valve.The fluid mixing valve may have an inlet dedicated for hot water and aninlet dedicated for cold water.

In an embodiment, the valve manifold comprises first and second inletsand first and second outlets. The manifold inlets are in flowcommunication with the fluid mixing valve inlets via manifoldtransitions. In an embodiment, the manifold outlets comprise apassageway extending from the first outlet to the second outlet. In anembodiment, a manifold outlet passageway may contain a venturi tube. Aventuri tube (“venturi”) may have a first section and a second section,wherein the first section has a larger cross-sectional area than thesecond section. In some embodiments, a venturi first section may have asubstantially frustoconical shape. In some embodiments, a venturi secondsection may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, a venturi first section is disposed in a manifoldsecond outlet. In certain embodiments, the venturi first section may bepermanently disposed in a manifold outlet. In some embodiments, aventuri first section outer surface may form a seal with a manifoldoutlet inner surface. In an embodiment, the venturi tube may comprise anattachment element configured to permanently fix it in the secondmanifold outlet. In an embodiment, a venturi may be permanently fixed ina manifold outlet via a one or more tab/notch elements. In a certainembodiment, a venturi may comprise one or more “locking tabs” on anexterior surface of the first section. Upon insertion of a venturi intoan outlet pathway, one or more locking tabs positioned on an exterior ofthe venturi first section may be forced into the outlet pathway and lockin a space or notch on a manifold interior.

In certain embodiments, a check valve may be installed in a firstmanifold inlet and/or in a second manifold inlet. A check valve mayprevent “cross-talk” between hot and cold water sources that may occurdue to pressure differences.

In some embodiments, a manifold is configured to be disposed in arough-in valve in a fixed position. A manifold fixed position mayprovide that a venturi first section is pointing “down” along the Yaxis. In some embodiments, a venturi first section will point down alongthe Y axis towards a tub supply line and to a tub spout. In someembodiments, a venturi second section will point “up” along the Y axistowards a shower supply line to a shower head.

Thus, in order to place two rough-in valves back-to-back, a total valveassembly may be rotated around the Y axis to preserve the venturiposition. To place the hot/cold water fluid mixing valve inlets in thecorrect position, the fluid mixing valve may be removed from themanifold, rotated about 180 degrees and re-inserted in the manifold. Theback-to-back rough-in valves may now accept hot water from the same sideand cold water from the same side.

In certain embodiments, a fluid mixing valve is configured to beinserted into a manifold cavity. A manifold cavity may have a sidewalldefining the cavity. A manifold sidewall and/or a fluid mixing valve maycomprise certain features designed to provide for reversible attachmentof the manifold and fluid mixing valve. For example, certain attachmentfeatures may comprise a notch/tab element, a pin/slot element, apin/hole element, threaded elements, etc. In a certain embodiment, anattachment feature comprises a substantially U-shaped pin and slotelement.

In some embodiments, a manifold may contain one or more retainerfeatures to hold an attachment element in place after assembly, andthereby hold a manifold/fluid mixing valve assembly together. Theretainer features may be one or more of notches, tabs, grooves, dimples,etc. A manifold may comprise a plurality of retainer features.

In some embodiments, an exterior of the manifold may comprise one ormore grooves configured to receive one or more gaskets. The gaskets maybe configured to form a seal with an interior chamber surface of arough-in valve. In a certain embodiment, a gasket may comprise ringshaped sections connected via strut sections.

In certain embodiments, a valve manifold cavity may comprise a shapeconfigured to couple to a fluid mixing valve shape, so as to only allowproper positioning of the fluid mixing valve at about 180 degreerotation intervals relative to the manifold.

In some embodiments, the valve manifold comprises transitions in flowcommunication with the manifold inlets. The transitions may betransverse to the manifold inlets and may be positioned towards a centerof the manifold. The transitions are configured to be in flowcommunication with fluid mixing valve inlets. The manifold comprisesoutlets in flow communication with fluid mixing valve outlets viamanifold channels. Manifold channels may be positioned towards an outersection of the manifold, for instance towards a sidewall.

In some embodiments, a manifold comprising a venturi may besubstantially symmetrical about a plane bisecting the outlets andventuri.

In some embodiments, a length of the rough-in valve from inlet to inletis from any of about 100 mm, about 105 mm, about 110 mm, about 120 mm,or about 130 mm to any of about 140 mm, about 150 mm, about 155 mm,about 160 mm, about 170 mm, about 180 mm or more.

In some embodiments, a height of the rough-in valve from outlet tooutlet is from any of about 85 mm, about 90 mm, about 95 mm, about 100mm, or about 105 mm to any of about 110 mm, about 115 mm, about 120 mm,about 125 mm, about 130 mm, about 135 mm or more.

FIG. 1 shows valve manifold 100 according to an embodiment. Visible aremanifold inlet 101 and manifold outlet 102. The outlets and inletscomprise grooves 103 configured to receive a gasket configured to form aseal with an interior wall of a rough-in valve chamber. The manifoldcomprises sidewall 104 which defines a cavity configured to receive afluid mixing valve. An upper section of manifold 100 comprises aplurality of retainer features 110 that hold an attachment element inplace (see FIG. 3C).

FIG. 2A depicts assembly 200, comprising manifold 100 and venturi tube201 separated, according to an embodiment. The venturi tube comprisescone-shaped first section 202 and rectangle-shaped second section 203.First section 202 has a larger cross-sectional area than the secondsection 203. Second section 203 is facing a second manifold outlet (notvisible), and when inserted into the second manifold outlet, the venturiwill extend from the second manifold outlet to first manifold outlet102. Locking tab 204 is seen on an exterior surface of venturi firstsection 202.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-section view of valve manifold 100 comprisingventuri 201 assembly 200 according to an embodiment. Venturi tube firstsection 202 is disposed in second manifold outlet 105. Venturi 201extends from second manifold outlet 105 towards first manifold outlet102. Venturi 201 may be permanently fixed in manifold outlet 105.Visible is manifold cavity 106 configured to receive a fluid mixingvalve. Also visible is transition 107 which is in flow communicationwith cavity 106 and a manifold inlet (not visible).

FIG. 3A shows assembly 300, comprising fluid mixing valve 301,attachment pin 302 and valve manifold/venturi assembly 200 separated,according to an embodiment. Fluid mixing valve 301 is configured tocouple to and removably fit into manifold cavity 106. Visible ismanifold transition 107 in flow communication with cavity 106 andmanifold inlet 101 (not visible/opposite inlet 109). Visible also ismanifold channel 108 in flow communication with cavity 106, firstmanifold outlet 102 and second manifold outlet 105 (not visible/opposite102). Fluid mixing valve 301 comprises curved sections 303 and flatsections 304 in a base thereof configured to couple with correspondingcurved and flat sections in manifold cavity 106. Fluid mixing valve 301is configured to be coupled to manifold assembly 200 at rotationintervals of about 180 degrees. Grooves 305 in fluid mixing valve 301base are configured to receive substantially U-shaped pin 302. This isan example of a pin/slot attachment element.

FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C depict fluid mixing valve/manifold assembly 300,containing fluid mixing valve 301 coupled to manifold/venturiarrangement 200, according to an embodiment. Portions of substantiallyU-shaped attachment pin 302 are visible, while other portions arevisible in a “see-through” view. Visible is fluid mixing valve outlet306 which will align with a manifold channel (not visible) and be inflow communication with manifold outlet 102. Manifold 100 in thisembodiment contains one or more slots 307 configured to allow forinsertion/removal of pin 302. Manifold inlet 101 is visible which willbe opposite manifold inlet 109 (not visible). Retainer features 110 arevisible.

FIG. 4 shows universal rough-in valve 400 according to an embodimenthaving valve chamber 401 configured to receive a valve manifold.Rough-in valve 400 comprises first inlet 402 and second inlet 403configured to be in flow communication with a hot water source and acold water source. Rough-in valve 400 comprises first outlet 404configured to be in flow communication with a first outlet line, forinstance a shower outlet line. Rough-in valve 400 comprises a secondoutlet 405 configured to be in flow communication with a second outletline, for instance a tub outlet line. Visible is inlet passageway 406and outlet passageway 407.

FIG. 5 displays assembly 500 comprising a valve manifold disposed in therough-in valve chamber (not visible) and a fluid mixing valve 301disposed in a manifold cavity. Axis 501 is the Y axis and axis 502 isthe X axis. Manifold outlet 102 (not visible) will be positioned “up”and manifold outlet 105 (not visible) will be pointing “down”. To placeanother assembled universal rough-in valve 500 back-to-back with thisone, rotation of the assembly around the Y axis 501 preserves theposition of manifold outlets 102 and 105 and the venturi disposedtherein. In order to have the fluid mixing valve oriented correctly toreceive hot and cold water, the manifold/fluid mixing valve assembly 300is removed from the rough-in valve. The fluid mixing valve is removedfrom the manifold, rotated about 180 degrees and placed back into themanifold and reassembled. The manifold/fluid mixing valve assembly 300is then placed back into the rough-in valve. The back-to-back rough-invalve assemblies then may receive hot water from the same side and coldwater from the same side.

FIG. 6 illustrates assembly 600 containing fluid mixing valve 601,manifold 650 and venturi 201, separated, according to anotherembodiment. Venturi 201 is positioned to enter manifold second outlet605. Check valves 606 are positioned to be inserted into the manifoldinlets. Gasket 604 is positioned to be mated with groove 603 on anexterior of manifold 650 and is configured to form a seal with aninterior wall of a rough-in valve chamber. Fluid mixing valve 601contains liquid valve entries 610 and 611. The fluid mixing valvecontains notches 612 configured to couple to tabs positioned on aninterior of the manifold.

Some rough-in valves are disclosed for example in U.S. app. No.PCT/US18/57014, filed Oct. 23, 2018, published as WO2019083942A1.

Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

In a first embodiment, disclosed is valve manifold for a universalrough-in valve, the manifold comprising a first manifold inlet; a secondmanifold inlet; a first manifold outlet; a second manifold outlet; acavity configured to receive a fluid mixing valve; a first transition inflow communication with the cavity and the first manifold inlet; asecond transition in flow communication with the cavity and the secondmanifold inlet; a first channel in flow communication with the cavityand the first manifold outlet; a second channel in flow communicationwith the cavity and the second manifold outlet; wherein the manifoldcomprises a venturi tube comprising a first section and a secondsection; the venturi tube first section has a larger cross-sectionalarea than the second section; the venturi tube first section is disposedin the second manifold outlet; and the venturi tube extends from thesecond manifold outlet towards the first manifold outlet; and whereinthe manifold is configured to be removably disposed in a rough-in valvechamber; and the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to thefluid mixing valve.

In a second embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toembodiment 1, wherein the first manifold outlet is a shower manifoldoutlet configured to be in flow communication with a shower head and thesecond manifold outlet is a tub manifold outlet configured to be in flowcommunication with a tub spout.

In a third embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toembodiments 1 or 2, wherein the venturi tube is permanently fixed in thesecond manifold outlet. In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a valvemanifold according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein theventuri tube comprises an attachment element configured to permanentlyfix it in the second manifold outlet.

In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according to any ofthe preceding embodiments, wherein the first manifold inlet and/or thesecond manifold inlet comprise a check valve.

In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according to any ofthe preceding embodiments, wherein the manifold is configured to bedisposed in the rough-in valve chamber in a fixed position.

In a seventh embodiment, discloses is a valve manifold according to anyof the preceding embodiments, wherein the first transition is transverseto the first manifold inlet and the second transition is transverse tothe second manifold inlet.

In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according to anyof the preceding embodiments, wherein the manifold is configured toremovably couple to the fluid mixing valve at about 180 degree rotationintervals of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold. In a ninthembodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according to any of thepreceding embodiments, wherein the manifold is configured to beremovably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via an attachment element.

In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according to any ofthe preceding embodiments, wherein the manifold is configured to beremovably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via an attachment element,wherein the attachment element comprises one or more of a notch/tabelement, a pin/slot element, a pin/hole element, or a threaded element.In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein the manifold is configured tobe removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via a pin/slot attachmentelement, wherein the pin is substantially U-shaped. In a twelfthembodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according to any of thepreceding embodiments, wherein the manifold is configured to beremovably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via an attachment element,and wherein the manifold comprises one or more retainer featuresconfigured to hold the attachment element in position.

In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein a) the first manifold inletand the first transition are configured to be in flow communication witha first fluid mixing valve inlet and the second manifold inlet and thesecond transition are configured to be in flow communication with asecond fluid mixing valve inlet; or b) the first manifold inlet and thefirst transition are configured to be in flow communication with thesecond fluid mixing valve inlet and the second manifold inlet and thesecond transition are configured to be in flow communication with thefirst fluid mixing valve inlet; and wherein a) and b) are selected basedon about 180 degree rotation intervals of the fluid mixing valverelative to the manifold.

In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein a) the first manifold inletand the first transition are configured to be in flow communication witha hot water source and the second manifold inlet the second transitionare configured to be in flow communication with a cold water source; orb) the first manifold inlet and the first transition are configured tobe in flow communication with a cold water source and the secondmanifold inlet the second transition are configured to be in flowcommunication with a hot water source; and wherein a) and b) areselected based on about 180 degree rotation intervals of the fluidmixing valve relative to the manifold.

In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein the manifold comprises agroove configured to receive a gasket, the gasket configured to form aseal with an internal wall of the rough-in valve chamber.

In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein an outer surface of theventuri tube first section forms a seal with an inner surface of thesecond manifold outlet.

In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein the manifold comprises anoutlet passageway extending from the first manifold outlet to the secondmanifold outlet.

In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein the manifold cavity comprisesa sidewall defining the cavity. In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed isa valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments, whereinthe manifold cavity comprises a sidewall defining the cavity, andwherein the first and second channels are at least partially defined bythe sidewall.

In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first and secondtransitions are positioned towards a center of the manifold and thefirst and second channels are positioned towards an outer section of themanifold.

In a twenty-first embodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein the manifold is substantiallysymmetrical about a plane bisecting the venturi tube. In a twenty-secondembodiment, disclosed is a valve manifold according to any of thepreceding embodiments, wherein the venturi tube first section comprisesa substantially frustoconical shape. In a twenty-third embodiment,disclosed is a valve manifold according to any of the precedingembodiments, wherein the venturi tube second section comprises asubstantially rectangular cross-section.

Following is another set of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

In a first embodiment, disclosed is a universal rough-in valvecomprising a valve chamber configured to receive a valve manifold; afirst valve inlet configured to be in flow communication with a firstfluid supply source; a second valve inlet configured to be in flowcommunication with a second fluid supply source; a first valve outletconfigured to be in flow communication with the valve chamber and afirst outlet line; a second valve outlet configured to be in flowcommunication with the valve chamber and a second outlet line; and thevalve manifold according to any of the prior embodiments 1 to 23removably disposed in the chamber.

In a second embodiment, disclosed is a universal rough-in valveaccording to the first embodiment, comprising a fluid mixing valveremovably coupled to the valve manifold. In a third embodiment,disclosed is a universal rough-in valve according to embodiments 1 or 2,wherein the fluid mixing valve is a pressure balance valve or athermostatic valve.

In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a universal rough-in valveaccording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the firstmanifold inlet is in flow communication with the first valve inlet; thesecond manifold inlet is in flow communication with the second valveinlet; the first manifold outlet is in flow communication with the firstvalve outlet; and the second manifold outlet is in flow communicationwith the second valve outlet.

In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a universal rough-in valve accordingto any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first valve outlet is ashower valve outlet configured to be in flow communication with a showerhead and the second valve outlet is a tub valve outlet configured to bein flow communication with a tub spout.

In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a universal rough-in valve accordingto any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the valve manifold isconfigured to be removably disposed in the valve chamber in a fixedposition.

In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a universal rough-in valveaccording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a) the firstvalve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with a first fluidmixing valve inlet and the second valve inlet and is configured to be inflow communication with a second fluid mixing valve inlet; or b) thefirst valve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with thesecond fluid mixing valve inlet and the second valve inlet is configuredto be in flow communication with the first fluid mixing valve inlet; andwherein a) and b) are selected based on about 180 degree rotationintervals of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold and therough-in valve.

In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a universal rough-in valveaccording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a) the firstvalve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with a hot watersource and the second valve inlet is configured to be in flowcommunication with a cold water source; or b) the first valve inlet isconfigured to be in flow communication with a cold water source and thesecond valve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with a hotwater source; and wherein a) and b) are selected based on about 180degree rotation intervals of the fluid mixing valve relative to themanifold and the rough-in valve.

Following are more non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

In a first embodiment, disclosed is a fluid mixing valve comprising amixing cartridge; a first fluid mixing valve inlet; a second fluidmixing valve inlet; a first fluid mixing valve outlet; and a secondfluid mixing valve outlet; wherein the fluid mixing valve is configuredto be removably coupled to the valve manifold according to any of thefirst set of embodiments at about 180 degree rotation intervals of thefluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

In a second embodiment, disclosed is a fluid mixing valve according toembodiment 1, wherein a) the first fluid mixing valve outlet isconfigured to be in flow communication with a valve manifold firstchannel and the second fluid mixing valve outlet is configured to be inflow communication with a valve manifold second channel; or b) the firstfluid mixing valve outlet is configured to be in flow communication witha valve manifold second channel and the second fluid mixing valve outletis configured to be in flow communication with a valve manifold firstchannel; wherein a) and b) are selected based on about 180 degreerotation intervals of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

In a third embodiment, disclosed is a fluid mixing valve according toembodiments 1 or 2, wherein the mixing valve is configured to beremovable coupled to the valve manifold via an attachment element.

In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a fluid mixing valve according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mixing valve is configuredto be removable coupled to the valve manifold via a pin/slot attachmentelement, and wherein the mixing valve comprises a groove or groovesconfigured to receive a pin of the pin/slot attachment element.

In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a fluid mixing valve according toany of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first fluid mixing valveinlet is configured to receive hot water and the second fluid mixingvalve is configured to receive cold water. In a sixth embodiment,disclosed is a fluid mixing valve according to any of the precedingembodiments, wherein the fluid mixing valve comprises a limiterconfigured to determine a maximum percentage of hot water allowed toflow through the mixing cartridge.

The term “coupled” means that an element is “attached to” or “associatedwith” another element. “Coupled” may mean directly coupled or coupledthrough one or more other elements. An element may be coupled to anelement through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or anon-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element”may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or “associated with” mayalso mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they“go together” in that one may function together with the other.

The term “flow communication” means for example configured for liquid orgas flow there through. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” indicate adirection of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow fromupstream to downstream.

The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean atexactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer tothat point than to another distinct point, for example “towards acenter” means closer to a center than to an edge. The term “like” meanssimilar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” meansgenerally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

The articles “a” and “an” herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g.at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein areinclusive. The term “about” used throughout is used to describe andaccount for small fluctuations. For instance, “about” may mean thenumeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%,±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more. Allnumeric values are modified by the term “about” whether or notexplicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term “about”include the specific identified value. For example “about 5.0” includes5.0.

The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined termmay vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%,±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more of thedefinition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may meanthe 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally”may be equivalent to “substantially”.

Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portionsof the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of thedisclosure also include any and all combinations and sub-combinations ofembodiments.

All U.S. patent applications, published patent applications and patentsreferred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

1. A valve manifold for a universal rough-in valve, the manifoldcomprising a first manifold inlet; a second manifold inlet; a firstmanifold outlet; a second manifold outlet; a cavity configured toreceive a fluid mixing valve; a first transition in flow communicationwith the cavity and the first manifold inlet; a second transition inflow communication with the cavity and the second manifold inlet; afirst channel in flow communication with the cavity and the firstmanifold outlet; and a second channel in flow communication with thecavity and the second manifold outlet, wherein the manifold comprises aventuri tube comprising a first section and a second section, theventuri tube first section has a larger cross-sectional area than thesecond section, the venturi tube first section is disposed in the secondmanifold outlet, the venturi tube extends from the second manifoldoutlet towards the first manifold outlet, the manifold is configured tobe removably disposed in a rough-in valve chamber, and the manifold isconfigured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve, andwherein a) the first manifold inlet and the first transition areconfigured to be in flow communication with a first fluid mixing valveinlet and the second manifold inlet and the second transition areconfigured to be in flow communication with a second fluid mixing valveinlet, or b) the first manifold inlet and the first transition areconfigured to be in flow communication with the second fluid mixingvalve inlet and the second manifold inlet and the second transition areconfigured to be in flow communication with the first fluid mixing valveinlet, wherein a) and b) are selected based on 180 degree rotationintervals of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.
 2. Thevalve manifold according to claim 1, wherein a) the first manifold inletand the first transition are configured to be in flow communication witha hot water source and the second manifold inlet the second transitionare configured to be in flow communication with a cold water source, orb) the first manifold inlet and the first transition are configured tobe in flow communication with a cold water source and the secondmanifold inlet the second transition are configured to be in flowcommunication with a hot water source.
 3. The valve manifold accordingto claim 1, wherein the first manifold outlet is a shower manifoldoutlet configured to be in flow communication with a shower head and thesecond manifold outlet is a tub manifold outlet configured to be in flowcommunication with a tub spout.
 4. The valve manifold according to claim1, wherein the venturi tube is permanently fixed in the second manifoldoutlet.
 5. The valve manifold according to claim 4, wherein the venturitube comprises an attachment element to permanently fix it in the secondmanifold outlet.
 6. The valve manifold according to claim 1, wherein anouter surface of the venturi tube first section forms a seal with aninner surface of the second manifold outlet.
 7. The valve manifoldaccording claim 1, wherein the venturi tube first section comprises afrustoconical shape and the second section comprises a rectangularcross-section.
 8. The valve manifold according to claim 1, wherein themanifold is configured to be disposed in the rough-in valve chamber in afixed position.
 9. The valve manifold according to claim 1, wherein themanifold is symmetrical about a plane bisecting the venturi tube. 10.The valve manifold according to claim 1, wherein the manifold comprisesa groove configured to receive a gasket, the gasket configured to form aseal with an internal wall of the rough-in valve chamber.
 11. The valvemanifold according to claim 1, wherein the manifold is configured to beremovably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via an attachment element.12. The valve manifold according to claim 1, wherein the manifold isconfigured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via anattachment element, wherein the attachment element comprises one or moreof a notch/tab element, a pin/slot element, a pin/hole element, or athreaded element.
 13. The valve manifold according to claim 1, whereinthe manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixingvalve via a pin/slot attachment element, wherein the pin is U-shaped.14. The valve manifold according to claim 1, wherein the manifold isconfigured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via anattachment element, and wherein the manifold comprises one or moreretainer features configured to hold the attachment element in position.15. The valve manifold according to claim 1, wherein the manifoldcomprises an outlet passageway extending from the first manifold outletto the second manifold outlet.
 16. The valve manifold according to claim1, wherein the manifold cavity comprises a sidewall defining the cavity,and wherein the first and second channels are at least partially definedby the sidewall.
 17. The valve manifold according to claim 1, whereinthe first and second transitions are positioned towards a center of themanifold and the first and second channels are positioned towards anouter section of the manifold.
 18. A universal rough-in valve comprisinga valve chamber configured to receive a valve manifold; a first valveinlet configured to be in flow communication with a first fluid supplysource; a second valve inlet configured to be in flow communication witha second fluid supply source; a first valve outlet configured to be inflow communication with the valve chamber and a first outlet line; asecond valve outlet configured to be in flow communication with thevalve chamber and a second outlet line; and the valve manifold accordingto claim 1 removably disposed in the chamber.
 19. A fluid mixing valvecomprising a mixing cartridge; a first fluid mixing valve inlet; asecond fluid mixing valve inlet; a first fluid mixing valve outlet; anda second fluid mixing valve outlet, wherein the fluid mixing valve isconfigured to be removably coupled to the valve manifold according toclaim 1 at 180 degree rotation intervals of the fluid mixing valverelative to the manifold.